Andrew Hudson will step down as South Africa’s convener of selectors when his contract expires in June.

According to the Cape Times, Hudson will not be available for re-election as convener of the selectors, a job which he has filled since May 2010. He said he wanted to focus on his career as a banker, as well as spend more time with his family.

Hudson faced the initial criticism over team selections for South Africa’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand where Vernon Philander was picked ahead of the in-form Kyle Abbott.

At the time, Hudson told The Star newspaper: ‘It was a tough decision, but I think when Vernon was fit and came back from injury, and with Kyle being the form man, it was always going to be a tough ask.’

‘But we have to remember, Vernon has also performed for us over the years, and I think we were hoping that in New Zealand conditions he would have nipped it around a bit and do some damage. I also think that he gives us extra batting option at No 8, which helps us with our tail.’

Various cricket writers have since reported that, according to their sources, there was indeed political interference in the team selection for that game, with Netwerk24 the first to claim that an SMS was sent to coach Russell Domingo hours before the semi-final, ‘reminding’ him of CSA’s ‘target’ of picking four players of colour in the starting XI.

Hudson has refused to comment on the SMS allegation.

The contracts of the rest of the panel – Shafiek Abrahams, Hussein Manack and Linda Zondi – will also expire but not all of them are expected to vacate their positions.

The current panel’s last job will be to name a Proteas squad for the tour to Bangladesh in July.

The provincial union’s CEOs and presidents have already been informed that they must vote for a new selection panel.

Altaaf Kazi, spokesperson for CSA, had earlier said the current panel can be re-appointed if they are again nominated. The deadline for nominations is 30 April.

Vincent Barnes, CSA’s high performance manager, and transformation manager Max Jordaan were also allowed to give insights but didn’t have voting rights.

The new selection panel is expected to be named at CSA’s next board meeting on 2 June.